Past E-News & CEFS Happenings
Welcome to the E-News archive of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. Whether you’re just curious about what we’ve been up to through the years or you’re looking for a specific announcement or article that has come and gone, this is the place to read about it. Here is a list of our recent e-Newsletters:
- June 2026: Farm to Fork Kids Fest, Drought Guidance for Farmers, Meat Marketing and More
- May 2026: Organic Bell Pepper IPM Research, Companion Planting, Nitrogen Use in Farming, Upcoming Opportunities
- April 2026: Earth Month 🌎, Grounded and Growing, Celebrations and Opportunities
- March 2026: Warm-Season Crops, Food Businesses, Events and Opportunities
- February 2026: CEFS Program News, Blueberry Pruning, Internships and Events
- January 2026: Ag Analytics, Training Opportunities and Resources
- November 2025: Food & Farm News, Opportunities and Events
- October 2025: Photographic Journey of Veteran Farmers, Field Research Updates, and Fall Events
- September 2025: One Year after Helene, New Graduate Fellows, Upcoming Events and Opportunities
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Farm to Senior Services: Feeding Neighbors, Strengthening Community
The Farm to Senior Services Project connects Western North Carolina seniors with fresh, local produce and nutrition education to combat health issues and food insecurity Through partnerships with local farmers and community organizations, the initiative supports local partners in creating institutional pathways for local food.
Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant
The Small Farm Unit is hiring a Horticulture and Natural Resources Extension Assistant.
Welcoming CEFS Summer 2026 Interns: Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) & Farm to Early Care and Education
CEFS welcomes 16 summer interns to the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), including 12 students participating in the Agroecology Scholars Program in Research and Extension (ASPIRE) and 4 interns supporting Farm to Early Care and Education (Farm to ECE) initiatives across North Carolina.
Practical Science for Growers: Organic Bell Pepper IPM Research at CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility
At CEFS Field Research, Education, and Outreach Facility at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, NC and other locations across the Southeast, researchers are conducting a comprehensive bell pepper cultivar trial focused on practical, grower-centered Integrated Pest Management (IPM). What makes the Cherry Research Farm site especially significant is that it is the only organic research location included in this multi-state project.
Farm to Senior Services Builds Healthier Communities Through Local Food
The Farm to Senior Services Project connects Western North Carolina seniors with fresh, local produce and nutrition education to combat health issues and food insecurity Through partnerships with local farmers and community organizations, the initiative empowers older adults—like participant-turned-advocate Vivian Lawrence in Burke County—to embrace healthier lifestyles and active community involvement.
Shironda Brown Receives 2026 NC Association of Cooperative Extension Specialists Award
Shironda Brown, Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Training Coordinator and Extension Associate with the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), has received the 2026 NCACES Award for Outstanding Subject Matter Program Developed by an Individual. Brown was nominated by Robyn Stout and Dara Bloom in recognition of her leadership and impact through North Carolina’s Farm to ECE program.
Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is seeking an Apprenticeship Program Coordinator to support, strengthen and expand agricultural apprenticeship opportunities, specifically the Sustainable Vegetable Production Apprenticeship and a soon to be developed Sustainable Livestock Production Apprenticeship.
WNCStrong Youth Service Corps Launches 2026 Cohort
On April 21st, the WNCStong Youth Service Corps held its orientation program for the 2026 cohort. This year, 17 students from western North Carolina will participate in internships at six local host farms.
Earth Day Ag Showcase at the Small Farm Unit
CEFS celebrated Earth Day on April 22 at the Small Farm Unit at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, welcoming more than 350 attendees for a sold-out day of hands-on learning and community connection.
Jennifer Badger Receives 2026 CALS Values Award for Integrity
On April 22, 2026, Jennifer Badger, Area Specialized Agent, Agribusiness with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems' (CEFS) EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) team, received one of the 2026 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Values Awards for Integrity during the CALS Celebration of Excellence.